Oficina de Sepomex, en el abandono

Empleados trabajan dos horas al día

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 30 de julio.-

Leer más...Phot & full article at this link
A sign was posted on the doors of the Mexican Post Office of Isla Mujeres saying, "Due to the resignation of two employees, these offices are going thru an operational crisis. Therefore we have found it necessary to change the hours when we are open to the public as follows: Monday-Friday 2pm-4pm. In advance, we apologize for any problems this causes, and we assure you we are making arrangements to fill these two positions and return to the normal schedule." It is noted that this problem has existed for five months, since February 22 of this year. Previously there were two shifts of workers serving the public, mornings and afternoons, but now the office is only open two hours daily.

Rescuing and assisting swimmers Cuidan y rescatan a la gente. [+] Ver mas
Last week four people were rescued/assisted in the waters off Playa Norte, plus seven people were given first aid (for sprains, blood pressure problems, cuts, etc.), out of ~1200 people who came to swim in the area. Incidents usually occur on the two main beaches, particularly North beach, while at the southern part of the isle, at Garrafon Park there are also lifeguards who work together to rescue or assist swimmers who need help because they have cramps or cannot swim very well.
There aren't usually problems at the open water snorkel and dive sites such as los Manchones, the Cross of the Bay, MUSA, and Sac Bajo, although these areas become saturated with boats. Concerns about this have been published in Por Esto.
There are two new areas where Mexican and foreign people have started swimming in recent years. One is under the cliffs at the edge of colonias Meteorológica and La Gloria (ampliación); and the other is near the wastewater treatment plant. Both of these lack lifeguards or other safety measures and Civil Protection advises against swimming there, out of concern that an accident could happen.
As days go by, incidents are expected to increase, and rescue-assists are more common on the weekends. Lifeguards report they have rescue-assisted more than a dozen people this holiday period, and there have been no deaths.

Geotubes need renovating Rescatarían geotubos. [+] Ver mas
Renovation of ~8 'geotubes' which protected the western area of Playa Norte is not expected to happen during the final days of this administration, according to entrepreneurs who are concerned about the erosion that has occurred that. About a dozen geotubes were installed in 20017-2008 in response to strong erosion which followed Hurricane Wilma in October 2005.
The geotubes in good condition received regular maintenance and those that were neglected are in need of renovation. It is estimated that at least 10,000 square meters of beach were lost, and pictures of this area as it was previously are shown on the internet.

Complaints about internet service Fibra óptica para no caerse.. [+] Ver mas Photo & full article at this link
There have been complaints that Telmex internet service has had brief outages or signals dropping, and customers want improved speeds. The members of the Association of Small Hotels Fascinantes of Isla Mujeres said they have been waiting for more than a year since Telmex promised to improve service. Business and residential customers want a fiber optic network installed throughout the island.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Every Tuesday & Thursday at 10am: Sergio's Batik class. ~3 hours long. 400p includes materials.Kid's classes every other Saturday at 12:30.
It's time for the Delta Aquarid meteor showers...into early August. The
Perseid meteors are supposed to be better than usual this year...on
August 11th. http://earthsky.org/astronom…/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide…

Thur. Aug 4 Artist Fair at the Casa de Cultura 4-9
Mid-August (~17th): Celebration of the Founding of the Town (Dolores) in 1850

Thur. Aug 18 Artist Fair at the Casa de Cultura 4-9

Friday August 19 & Saturday August 20 Isla Fest at the Casa de Cultura Free

The Isla Mujeres Scholarship Program is excited to announce
a new matching event to add sponsors and funding for our scholarship
students for the 2016/2017 school year!!!
Our very generous anonymous donor has agreed to another round of
matched funds for any new sponsors or donations. That’s right – your
donations will be doubled!

*Any new sponsors who join/pledge in the month of July
*Any one time donations
Need more information or have questions? Check out our website or Margaret Washa. We would LOVE to tell you about the
wonderful students who are supported by our program because we are
terribly proud of them. This is an ideal time to join the program and
make the most out of your contribution or to make a one time
contribution.Our
facebook page is Isla Mujeres Scholarship Group, please join us there
for photos and personal stories from our group. And check out our
wonderful new website (thanks, Jackie Conlon!)

The Artist's Fairs are scheduled twice a
month, on the First and Third Thursdays, at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9.

Siembran plantas de mangle en área lagunar

Proyecto de reforestación de Ecología Municipal

A project was begun several weeks ago by the municipal Department of Ecology to rescue the lagoon facing the community hospital by reforesting it with transplanted mangrove plants. They cleaned the trash out of this neglected area, and have planted 150 botoncillo (Buttonwood) mangrove plants, out of a total of 200 which will be planted. They are not filling in the lagoon area, but rather simply rehabilitating it, since it is a habitat for many species of birds, including some in danger of extinction.

The head of the Ecology Department, Carlos Barranco, said that it is likely that the plants will survive, since this is a native species which grows abundantly in the area, especially in and around the Makax lagoon. He explained that there are four species of mangrove in Isla Mujeres, which include botoncillo, mangle rojo, and mangle blanco (buttonwood, red, and white).

He said he hopes the new administration will continue with this project, whose final phase includes the installation of a walkway to prevent children from reaching the lagoon area, where crocodiles have been seen.

Estimate of 540,000 tourists arriving in July is more than twice as many as last year

Estiman arribo de 540 mil turistas durante julio

Más del doble que el año pasado

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 29 de julio.-

Leer más..Full article & photo at this link.
The Director of the Port Authority, Jazmín Pérez Gaytán, estimated that as many as 540,000 tourists will have arrived during the month of July, tho she said it could be less. This would be more than twice as many as the same month last year.
In July, 2015, there were 201,469 arrivals, including boats from the Cancun Hotel Zone and the Punta Sam ferries. This was an increase of 31.7% over July, 2014.
Ms. Perez said as of Thursday, July 28, there was a total of 479,374 arrivals, and she estimates there will be an average of 20,000 tourists daily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; July 29, 30, and 31st, which would bring the total to 538,000 for the month.
The largest number of passengers arriving daily was 20,916, on Sunday, July 24th, which could be exceeded this weekend.

North Beach is one of the main recreational areas of Isla Mujeres, where luxury yachts began arriving before noon, as well as the boats that provide whale shark tours. The lifeguards reported a "Saldo Blanco" (no incidents), and it is noted that the lifeguard tower located near the end of Hidalgo is closed because its ladder needs maintenance.
Playa Centro was also full after midday, which recently received renewal of its Blue Flag designation. Both beaches have modules for first aid, manned by the Red Cross and Mexican navy, and the tourist police are present. All reported "saldo blanco". Tourists also toured the island in golf carts, and it was observed that many were parked at Punta Sur, at the Mundaca Hacienda, at the Tortugranja aquarium, and traveling along the Caribbean coastal road.

A wooden wall was constructed in the Federal Zone on part of North Beach more than a year ago, which affects the passage of visitors. The problem is compounded because of erosion of the beach, causing the exposure of rocks and underwater electric cables, which come from Punta Sam.
The CFE (Federal Electrical Commission) has verified that there is no risk, although some employees at neighboring businesses said that current was felt in the sand upon occasion, several months ago. Although it may not be dangerous, there is a risk of tourists falling over the cable or over the nearby rocks. They may also be disappointed, because there are pictures on the internet of this area when there was a large amount of sandy beach, which has eroded in the past two years, after being previously protected by eight 'geotubes'.
Tourism service providers want the fence removed, and the pipes and cables removed, as well as a renovation project to renew the geotubes and to recover the sandbar that has been popular with tens of thousands of tourists who visit each season.
It is remembered that the fence was constructed during a conflict in spring of 2015, which involved Carlos Cervera Peraza who explained he is not responsible for the fence. He said, "On the contrary, I am a victim, because it was built by the same people who destroyed my palapa, which is a lawsuit we are winning in court." He is referring to news which was recently reported in Por Esto about resolutions in this case with arrests and sanctions against those responsible for that incident.
The fence blocks this area, affecting as much as 20 meters of federal zone, and hindering the passage of visitors between North Beach and Playa Centro, making passage hazardous for elderly people and children.

Mural artists inspired by whale sharksTiburón ballena inspira a artistas plásticos+] Ver mas Photo & full article at this link
Several Mexican and foreign artists are completing murals in public spaces which were painted to raise awareness about the care and protection of whale sharks and manta rays, as part of the IV Whale Shark Festival 2016. This is part of the project "Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans", which features large scale murals painted by renowned contemporary artists with themes about caring for the oceans, which highlight themes aimed at raising public awareness about conservation of local marine ecosystems and natural resources. These exhibitions began two years ago.
The topics for these works of art include the benefits of ecotourism in this area for the protection of the whale sharks and rays, and the dangers of pollution of the oceans, among other issues. The project is organized by PangeaSeed, an international non profit organization, and it features artists including Tysa of México, Danaé Brissonnet of Canadá, and Tre’ Packard of the United States.
There are a dozen murals downtown and some in the colonias. Their locations include the Town Hall, in the municipal mercado "Javier Rojo Gomez", and along Morelos street. Last week a series of activities were initiated at the beach as part of the celebrations of "Whale Shark Festival 2016". In the upcoming week there should be more public events and then at the end of the first half of August, the founding of Isla Mujeres will be celebrated, commemorating the 166th anniversary of this event. There are photos of many of the new murals in recent editions of this blog and on our Facebook page.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Every Tuesday & Thursday at 10am: Sergio's Batik class. ~3 hours long. 400p includes materials.Kid's classes every other Saturday at 12:30.
It's time for the Delta Aquarid meteor showers...into early August. The
Perseid meteors are supposed to be better than usual this year...on
August 11th. http://earthsky.org/astronom…/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide…

Saturday July 30 Danzarte Dance Encounter 2016. 5:30 outside of the Casa de Cultura Participants in the Artist's fairs are invited to vend.

Fashion show & benefit at Fenix

Thur. Aug 4 Artist Fair at the Casa de Cultura 4-9

Mid-August (~17th): Celebration of the Founding of the Town (Dolores) in 1850

Thur. Aug 18 Artist Fair at the Casa de Cultura 4-9

Friday August 19 & Saturday August 20 Isla Fest at the Casa de Cultura Free

The Isla Mujeres Scholarship Program is excited to announce
a new matching event to add sponsors and funding for our scholarship
students for the 2016/2017 school year!!!
Our very generous anonymous donor has agreed to another round of
matched funds for any new sponsors or donations. That’s right – your
donations will be doubled!

*Any new sponsors who join/pledge in the month of July
*Any one time donations
Need more information or have questions? Check out our website or Margaret Washa. We would LOVE to tell you about the
wonderful students who are supported by our program because we are
terribly proud of them. This is an ideal time to join the program and
make the most out of your contribution or to make a one time
contribution.Our
facebook page is Isla Mujeres Scholarship Group, please join us there
for photos and personal stories from our group. And check out our
wonderful new website (thanks, Jackie Conlon!)

The Artist's Fairs are scheduled twice a
month, on the First and Third Thursdays, at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9.

Cafre acaba en un acantilado

Sueño lo venció y perdió el control

No one was hurt when a grey, compact Mazda went over the cliff on Thursday morning along the Caribbean coastal road, near Isla 33. At 2:30am, the 25 year old driver, Joel G.C.I. went out to buy milk for his child, but when he was returning along the coastal road, he fell asleep and crossed into the oncoming lane and went over the cliff. The Isla Mujeres Chief of Police reported that the young man was not driving under the influence of alcohol, but had lost control of the vehicle because he fell asleep.

A towing vehicle with a crane was brought from Cancun to remove the car from the cliffs around 10am, and the job was completed a few hours later, after midday. The damages are estimated at about 100,000 pesos.

Navy rescues fishermen whose boat was adrift

Rescatan a pescadores

Efectivos de la Armada les brindan apoyo luego de quedar a la deriva

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de julio.- .

Leer más..Photo & full article at this link.
The small fishing boat "MARI IV" was adrift without propulsion after suffering an electrical failure in the outboard engine. There were two men, aged 19 and 49, aboard the boat, which had sailed 12 nautical miles (~19km) northeast of Isla Perez, Yucatan. They were rescued by the Navy, in a coordinated effort between sailors from the Fifth Naval Region, based in Isla Mujeres, and of the Ninth Naval Region, based in Puerto Progreso, Yucatan.
The disabled boat was spotted by a coastal patrol from the Ninth Naval Region near the reef Alacranes. The Marine Rescue Plan was implemented, whose aim is to safeguard lives at sea, and the two fishermen were rescued and given food, hydration, and assistance with the repair.
Once the repair was completed, the Mari IV, which is a member of the cooperative “Indígenas de Sisal”, returned to the port of Sisal, Yucatan.

Judicial ruling regarding land sold by former Mayor in 2005Duro golpe al ayuntamiento. [+] Ver mas
In "indirect amparo" ruling has been issued by a federal judge regarding municipal authority and failure to comply with certain clauses, in relation to land sales made thru hundreds of letters of allocation in April 2005 by then mayor Paulino Adame Torres, in the final days of his administration.
The letters were given to 1715 people (beneficiaries) and the ruling of the 27th Circuit Court on July 14, 2016 rules in favor of the beneficiaries, saying the City failed to enforce these purchase contracts, according to lawyer Roberto Martinez Aragon, who is an alderman-elect for the Morena party.
He said he will withdraw from working on this litigation before taking his oath as a member of the City Council, but the legal department that is involved will continue to follow up on it until these residential and commercial lots are successfully deeded and delivered. This has to do with legal efforts seeking recovery of 100 hectares of municipal land sold by the state government, "with consent from various PRI and PAN officials".
The municipal government said it fulfilled its obligations to transfer these assets (200 hectares in 2007), allowing INFOVAR to meet its obligations. However. Sr. Martinez argues that while one part of the obligation was fulfilled, another obligation was not kept, regarding the commitments in the letters of allocation, issued on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Sr. Martinez said more legal demands will be filed on this issue over the next few weeks, seeking annulment of the sale of the 100 hectares by the state government as real estate and seeking legal remedies for damages, as well as suits against former mayors and the present mayor: Manuela Godoy, Alicia Ricalde, Hugo Sánchez, and Agapito Magaña, alleging that they are responsible for fraud and criminal activities regarding this complaint, according to the interviewee, Sr. Martinez. This is in regard to land on the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres.

Navy rescued two fishermen from the state of Yucatan Rescata la Marina a dos pescadores yucatecosl.. [+] Ver masSee article translated above. Assistance was given Wednesday between the hours of 9:40am and 12:40 pm by the coastal patrol boat of the 9th Naval Region, "ARM Democrata" to the boat and its two crew members, William Morales Luis, 49, and José Eduardo Poot Cuxim, 19, who were adrift with engine failure.
A weather report is given regarding a tropical wave approaching from the north of Honduras, which could cause clouds and light rain, with possible lightning, with increasing waves and winds.

Inauguration of ice plant expansion Inauguran sucursal de la fábrica de hielo “Iceland”id.. [+] Ver mas
The family who launched this project are friends of deceased Mexican diver and videographer Ramon Bravo Prieto, and have managed Playa Lancheros for the past two decades. They began making ice cubes at a factory in Caridad del Cobre in 2009 and a few days ago they opened a branch at Playa Lancheros, to meet the high demand for ice. It is sold under the brand "Iceland" and they are Rogelio Magaña Castro "Chilero", his daughter the architect, Liliana Magana Moguel, and his wife, Seidy Moguel. Liliana has also opened a store on Rueda Medina across from the ferry terminal to provide cold drinks to tourist, located a few steps from the dive shop "Bahia" which began business over 30 years ago, with Sr. Rogelio Magana as proprietor. Ramon Bravo once hung out at that dive shop, chatting with Sr. Rogelio Magana about the sea, about environmental concerns, and about capturing fish and other marine species. At times Bravo wrote for the national press about environmental abuses and concerns, such as the problems in 1993 when Isla Contoy was at risk. Debates on these issues took place at the dive shop, where "Chilero", who is a Leftist, received the 1988 presidential candidate during his political campaign. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

The
Maya Riviera Film Festival concluded in Playa de Carmen on June 30, and
is supposed to be coming to Isla Mujeres this month. Last year it was
two or three evenings on the Posada beach, shown on a big inflatable
screen, shortly after sunset. Schedule TBA. Link to Website.Link to FB page.

July 4, Monday Independence Day in the US

July 7 Thursday Artist Fair 4-9 Casa de Cultura

July 10-23 Whale Shark Festival. Schedule TBA. Some of the Sea Walls artists will be touching up the murals from two years ago and adding new ones.

Thursday is a fictional film about a women, her 8yo son, & boyfriend
staying in a room together on holiday in Acapulco, "Semana Santa". That
trailer & info is here: http://rmff.mx/seleccion-rmff-2016-pelicula/semana-santa-alejandra-marquez-abella/
Friday is this documentary "Erosion", about damage to the environment
with tourism development in Playa Carmen (& this area in general).
Saturday is TBA.

The Isla Mujeres Scholarship Program is excited to announce
a new matching event to add sponsors and funding for our scholarship
students for the 2016/2017 school year!!!
Our very generous anonymous donor has agreed to another round of
matched funds for any new sponsors or donations. That’s right – your
donations will be doubled!

*Any new sponsors who join/pledge in the month of July
*Any one time donations
Need more information or have questions? Check out our website or Margaret Washa. We would LOVE to tell you about the
wonderful students who are supported by our program because we are
terribly proud of them. This is an ideal time to join the program and
make the most out of your contribution or to make a one time
contribution (we understand if you have commitment issues)
Our
facebook page is Isla Mujeres Scholarship Group, please join us there
for photos and personal stories from our group. And check out our
wonderful new website (thanks, Jackie Conlon!)

Starting in July, the Artist's Fairs are being scheduled twice a
month, on the First and Third Thursdays, at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9.

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.